GIDEL: LaGrange Boys to Visit Kentucky

Rob Gidel

09/12/2006

LaGrange (Ga.) HS cornerback Randall Burden has been close to committing to Kentucky for months now. With a host of area natives currently starring for the Wildcats, Burden plans on making things official soon. Quite possibly after his visit, set for October.

"I haven't committed, yet," Burden told Scout.com. "I'm looking for a school with great education and a good environment. Just the complete package really."

"My top pick is Kentucky," Burden added. "No doubt about it. I'm also looking at South Carolina, East Carolina and Louisville, too."

Burden recently watched the Wildcats game against in-state rival Louisville on ESPN. "I thought the defense struggled a little bit, but I thought the team looked good. They fought hard and never gave up."

LaGrange (Ga.) HS has produced the stars of the UK defense in recent years including linebackers Wesley Woodyard and Braxton Kelley. In addition, wide receiver Demoreo Ford hails from the Grangers and Kentucky signee from 2006, Demetrius Goode hails from nearby Troup County.

"Everyone around here roots for Kentucky," Burden said of his tie to the Bluegrass state. "I've known all those guys from growing up with them. I've known Braxton and 'Moreo from middle school. I never got to play with Wesley, but I always looked up to him, as a player and person."

Despite the connection to Kentucky, Burden said he has not received any extra pressure from his LaGrange Wildcats to commit.

"They talk to me every time they see me," Burden said of Braxton and Demoreo. "When they come back, they are always there to support the team and talk to us, but they've never pressured me. They stay in the background and let me make my own decision."

A visit has been set up for Randall Burden and taemmate, D.J. Stafford to attend Kentucky sometime in October, according to Burden and Coach Steve Pardue.